Radiator Part Number

[brettj]

Hi,

Would anyone happen to know what the part number is for a 1975 450SE radiator?  The only number I have been able to come up with is 116 501 03 01 and I'm not sure if it is the number for a 450 or 280.

Thanks

[KenM]

Hey Brett, as far as I can tell from the EPC the US 450 radiator is part number 116 501 15 01 from chassis 551 onwards. before 551 it was part number 116 501 03 01. The 280 SE radiator is part number 116 501 19 01. Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Ken

[brettj]

Humm.... so I guess the number 116 501 03 01 would be for an early 1973 450SE?  What would be the difference? Did the cooling system design change by the 1975 model year?

Thanks

[brettj]

Just found out that number 116 501 03 01 is the old part number for a 450SE radiator. The new number is 116 501 15 01. Either number will provide you with the correct radiator.

Thanks for your help!

Brett

[brettj]

Hi,

I've located a new old stock radiator. The only problem with it is that the fins have been flattened in several areas. The radiator was pressure tested  and does not leak. Will flattened fins impede coolant flow through the radiator? Can I bend the fins back without damaging the radiator?

[s class]

You can buy a fin comb as used by aircon technicians to comb out the fins.

[Big_Richard]

Will flattened fins impede coolant flow through the radiator? Can I bend the fins back without damaging the radiator?

No, to question one, Yes, to question two, if your talking about fins. If its the tubes between the fins that are damaged, that's another story.

The fins serve the purpose of increasing the surface area of the radiator many, many times to increase the radiator to ambient air heat transfer efficiency.

[brettj]

I don't think any of the tubes are damaged. I would think that the radiator would leak if that were the case. Perhaps I should forget this radiator and wait for another without bent up fins.

[koan]

I don't think any of the tubes are damaged. I would think that the radiator would leak if that were the case. Perhaps I should forget this radiator and wait for another without bent up fins.

If it's new old stock and never had water/coolant through in it should be perfect.

The bent fins can be straightened with a radiator comb, if the construction doesn't allow a comb to be used the fins can be straightened individually with a pair of needle nose pliers.

koan

[1974450SEL]

Brett,
  Where did you find this new old stock radiator?  I've been searching for one for my 74.  I've had some quotes on recoring the old one from 300.00 to 700.00 depending on the place.  Thanks.
Brian

[brettj]

A friend of mine had it in his collection of parts. I'm going to keep it as a spare just in case my current radiator decides to leak.

[1974450SEL]

That's a good idea to keep as a spare.  I was quoted 1000 plus for a new one shipped over from Germany.  I think I will go with the recoring option for this summer.  My old one seems to work fine during the winter months.  I've replaced everything cooling wise, except for the radiator this past summer and it still ran 190-210 degrees Fahrenheit. 

[brettj]

Wow! 190-210 that's  hot! My car never hits 210 even on a very hot day. Your radiator must be clogged up.